Summer Vac Scheme Student Review

I found the vacation scheme here to be a genuine insight into the company. In addition to providing an extra week (3 week scheme) over many competitors, there was the right balance of social activities, networking and interaction events, presentations, and opportunities to do actual work that a trainee would do.

The scheme is split into 3 weeks, 2 in the first seat, and 1 in the second. It is difficult to fully involve yourself in the work of a seat in just one week so I felt like my interaction was greater during the first seat. The work I did do was honestly critiqued, and my supervisor worked with me to ensure it was more than just a test, but a learning experience.

Everyone I talked to was very forthcoming and willing to help. The amount of guidance and support was a direct reflection of how much you wanted to put yourself out there, ask questions, and become involved in the work. The support came from all levels of staff as well, from trainees, to senior associates, and even the partner in the area I worked in.

It is hard to tell at this point how the skills developed in this short time will impact my degree studies, but what it has done is provide me with the knowledge of what a work day is like and prepare me mentally for further interviews, and whatever is to come if I do move on to a training contract here or elsewhere.

It was very well structured. There was a good balance between time in the office, tours of the courts, presentations, social events and networking events. Room allocations were always forwarded in time, trainees were there to help with any questions and overall everything went incredibly smoothly.

The atmosphere at HSF was incredible. It never felt like there was intense pressure. Everyone genuinely was working together to achieve whatever task was at hand, and an open door policy meant that trainees and even myself as a vac student felt comfortable approaching anyone in the practice area I was sitting in to ask questions. You can tell that people actually like the work they are doing and this shows itself in the atmosphere.

I got the opportunity to speak with employees across a broad range of experience, and position. It was fascinating because regardless of where they were, the comments from each were similar, which was a friendly, welcoming, but hard working culture. There was no mistake that the work they do here is top of its class and everyone works hard to achieve this together, but despite this there was still an atmosphere of community, friendliness, and approachability.

Most days there was an opportunity for planned events. From drinks receptions with the partners to a social night at a local pub with trainees there was a breadth of chance to interact with other employees. Beyond that the scheme is what you make of it. Everyone is approachable and willing to answer questions you may have.

We had various events planned by the graduate recruitment team. The first night there was a dinner in which no actual HSF employee attended. It was the perfect opportunity to get to know each other without the pressure of being "turned on". The next night we had a drinks reception with the partners, which was also a laid back, after work event in which you got a chance to chat with any partner. They were genuine and down to earth, and it was a fun evening. Other social events included "social darts" at a local pub, drinks at a rooftop patio lounge, and various lunches, and presentations.

We had a chance to do some research for the pro bono team, as well as listen to a presentation. We heard constantly about all the opportunity there is to get involved in the local community through volunteering or pro bono work. The network fair was also an opportunity to see the various social initiatives that the firm is a part of.

In a second. Was an incredibly insightful 3 weeks. I got a chance to work on some very high level legal work, gain an insight into how an international firm operates, as well as discuss even with a partner the prospects for the future. Everyone was welcoming, forthcoming and genuinely interested in helping me learn from the experience. Not even Brexit could bring down my mood of the experience.